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RALPH'S ROUND-UP |
It is now August, and we are seeing America stronger at home and abroad, with a booming economy, safer communities, and a revived military.
Here is what has happened in Washington, D.C. these past two weeks:
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LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
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Rep. Norman Introduced:
I introduced the Funds In Legal Evaluation Act, or the FILE Act. This bill would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to review how organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, spend federal dollars.
This common-sense legislation will ensure that organizations are complying with federal law and not using tax payer dollars to provide abortions. If an organization has failed to follow the law and used federal funds for abortion services, then they will be denied future funding.
Organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, are already required to submit an annual accounting of how they spent funds they received, but the HHS Secretary does not review them in a timely manner. This means that Planned Parenthood continues to provide abortion-related services, but we are not aware whether or not they use taxpayer dollars to do so.
It only makes sense to ensure that the Secretary of HHS reviews how taxpayer dollars are spent and federal laws are being followed in a timely manner.
This #WastefulWednesday, I introduced a bill that would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from studying the impact of cigar flavors. HHS awarded more than $100,000 of taxpayer dollars to research how the flavor of a cigar related to the likelihood of young adults beginning to smoke.
What a #wasteful use of Americans’ hard earned dollars. Shouldn’t HHS award grants to research that will help individuals overcome tobacco addiction, instead of on the impact of flavors of cigars? My hope is that this legislation will serve as a reminder to HHS to allocate its funds to research that will lead to outcomes that benefit the American public.
House Passed:
The conference report for the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): We remain committed to rebuilding our military. The NDAA updates military infrastructure, restores military readiness, & provides necessary funding so troops can face the global threats of the 21st Century. Furthermore, this bill provides the largest pay raise for our troops in 9 years!
H.R. 2353 – Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act: This bill reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins CTE Act to help grow apprenticeships. With a growing economy we need a growing labor force to fill the skills gap, and this bill will only help that happen!
H.R. 6199- Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2018: This bill provides relief from the tax on over the counter medications caused by the Affordable Care Act. It also modernizes Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
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THE TAX LAW’S IMPACT ON BUSINESS IN THE 5TH
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It was honor and privilege to invite Tibi Czentye, the CEO of All Pro Solutions, Inc. of Rock Hill, to testify with the House Small Business Committee on how tax reform has benefited his small business.
As a result of tax reform being signed into law, All Pro Solutions has been able to buy extra and newer equipment; they have already seen an increase in sales; they are now expanded their archiving work; and they will soon be hiring two more employees due to these wonderful circumstances.
His story proves that these tax cuts were for everyone, they are working on a local level, and these tax cuts are beneficial.
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National PURPLE HEART DAY
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Sergeant Dave Walas, of Tega Cay (first from left in the picture above), lost both of his legs 46 years ago while serving our nation in Vietnam. Even while in excruciating pain and suffering from massive blood loss, Sgt. Walas continued to fight and defend America. Because of his heroic actions and sacrifices made, he was rightfully given the Purple Heart. And today, he now marches three miles in every Tega Cay 4th of July parade.
Yesterday, we paused to remember and honor all of the courageous service members, like Sgt. Walas, for the pain they have felt on the battlefield and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation on National Purple Heart Day.
No matter what circumstances our Armed Forces face at home or abroad, they continue to fight for our country and protect our freedoms. For this, we are eternally grateful.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL-AMERICAN CITIES
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I introduced a House Resolution, H. Res. 1002, expressing congratulations to the towns of Camden, Bethune, Elgin, and Kershaw County for being named 1 of 10 All-American Cities winners. Since 1949, the All American City National Civic League issues an award to 10 communities celebrating and recognizing neighborhoods, towns, cities, counties, and regions that engage in initiative, inclusive, and effective efforts to tackle critical and local challenges.
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| Communicating with you! |
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I am honored to be one of 11 Members of Congress to receive the Ronald Reagan Award for effectively communicating with my constituents about the positive impacts tax reform is having on Americans and our economy.
Since January, I have directly informed and heard from constituents about how tax reform is helping to improve their lives by doing the following:
- hosting several tele-town halls,
- multiple visits to businesses,
- meeting with constituents,
- op-eds,
- e-newsletters,
- and social media updates.
Look forward to keeping the dialogue going as we continue to see more success from tax cuts.
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A FAREWELL TO OUR SUMMER INTERNS
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Over the past several months, I had the honor and privilege of hosting students from across the 5th District in our Washington D.C. office for a Congressional Summer Internship. During their time with us these bright young men and women had the opportunity to participate in the legislative process, attend Committee hearings and briefings, speak with constituents, assist our legislative team on various issues, lead U.S Capitol tour for constituents visiting with us in our nation’s capital, and many other functions of a congressional office. A very special thanks to all of our interns, I look forward to seeing their success in future endeavors.
If you or a student you know is interested in an internship with our office, I am now accepting applications for Fall and Winter opportunities on my website at www.norman.house.gov/forms/internships.
Summer interns presenting their internship project to Congressman Norman |
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CONTACT ME |
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As always, please let me know if I can ever be of assistance to you by calling my Washington, D.C. Office at 202-225-5501 or my Rock Hill Office at 803-327-1114
It is a privilege to serve you as your representative of South Carolina's 5th Congressional District.
Sincerely,
Ralph Norman
Member of Congress
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